Just been told...

that I have breast cancer. I have posted before on the Depression and Anxiety board, that was last September, October..ect. I got that all under control and was feeling pretty good. Now this.

This lump is very pronounced in my right breast, right under and around the nipple, a bout the size of a walnut, if not bigger. When it started it was smaller and I had a mamo and sonogram done, they came back fine and off I went. about three months ago I noticed it changing but thought it was because of hormones. It got to the point it didn't shrink, just got bigger. I was sent to have a biopsy done on Tuesday, I got the call a while ago that it was cancerous. I'm really scared because it's so big!

I go in for an MRI on the 17th then will take with my doc about options. My poor husband is so sweet and strong and I know he will love me and be with me through all of this.

I have three girls that I need to tell, sometime soon. I worry about how we are going to pay for this and what will happen.

Eight months ago I was fighting a depression so hard I thought about dying, now here I am again. It's so scary.

Hi Suzy, sorry for your news. We can all feel your pain...and we can tell you that it will ease up over time. Right now the emotions are raw and there is so much to think about and learn about...and before you know it, you'll be in control and feeling like you are in a much better place. My advice is to learn as much as you can so you can make informed decisions...but learn it in small doses so as not to overwhelm yourself. You may want to wait till you have more info before telling the kids...this way you'll know the plan as far as surgery and chemo or other medications, and you'll know how to answer their questions. For me, knowledge was power. Once I learned enough and started making appointments and taking charge, I was much better able to talk about it with others.

Take one day at a time and surround yourself with what feels good. Ask us lots of questions and take your husband or friend to your doctors' appointments, along with a tape recorder.

And since you know you have had trouble with depression, be sure to talk to your doctor about that and keep it from sliding out of control.

Hugs,
Lori

Suzy, I think you're right that the husbands take it hard...they are fixers. Many of us have agreed with us that it is harder on those that love us, as they feel helpless, while we can take control and fight.., we are actively fighting.

Hang in there!
Lori

Suzy,

 

I am so sorry you have joined our club.  However, this is a wonderful group and we will be right there beside you every step of the way.  I had a large tumor (6cm) with other smaller ones throughout the breast.  I ended up needing a mastectomy(I had a lumpectomy first).  It had also metasticized to the lymph nodes (thank goodness only 1).  Since my treatment of chemo and rads, I am definitely a survivor.  You will be, too.  I agree that information is power and you need to be your own advocate with your medical team.  Please don't be afraid to ask any question here.  Chances are someone has been through the same thing and can give you some advice.

 

Take it one step at a time and things will be easier to handle.